LATEST: Chiefs Player Commits Suicide in Front of Coach, GM

12/01/2012 03:33 PM

12/03/2012 06:52 AM

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Police in Kansas City confirm a player for the
Kansas City Chiefs shot and killed himself in front of the team's head
coach and general manager this morning, after apparently killing his
girlfriend.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Police in Kansas City confirm a player for the Kansas City Chiefs shot and killed himself in front of the team's head coach and general manager this morning, after apparently killing his girlfriend.

Jovan Belcher, 25, a four-year linebacker with the Chiefs shot himself at the Chief's practice facility near Arrowhead Stadium shortly after 8:00 a.m.

The first shooting happened about 7:50 at a home near East 54th Terrace. Police told CBS affiliate KCTV when they got to the house, a woman told them her daughter had been shot several times by her boyfriend. Police said Kasandra Perkins, 22, was taken to the hospital where she died. Belcher and Perkins had a 3-month old daughter together.

KCTV reports police say Belcher drove to the practice facility, where he approached Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli and head coach Romeo Crennel outside of the practice facility, thanked them for all they had done for him and shot himself in the head as police arrived.The Chiefs confirmed the shooting in a written statement saying, "We can confirm that there was an incident at Arrowhead earlier this morning. We are cooperating with authorities in their investigation."

Chiefs Chairman & CEO Clark Hunt issued this statement later in the day:

"The entire Chiefs family is deeply saddened by today's events, and our collective hearts are heavy with sympathy, thoughts and prayers for the families and friends affected by this unthinkable tragedy. We sincerely appreciate the expressions of sympathy and support we have received from so many in the Kansas City and NFL communities, and ask for continued prayers for the loved ones of those impacted.We will continue to fully cooperate with the authorities and work to ensure that the appropriate counseling resources are available to all members of the organization."

Police officer Darin Snapp told reporters Belcher and his girlfriend had been known to argue in the past and had reportedly argued this morning before the shootings.

The Chiefs also released a statement saying the team would play its scheduled game Sunday with the Carolina Panthers.

"After discussions between the league office, Head Coach Romeo Crennel and Chiefs team captains, the Chiefs advised the NFL that it will play tomorrow's game vs. the Carolina Panthers at its originally scheduled time."